Collapsible Hard-Sided Pickup Camper With Powered Roof Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pickup truck campers, both rigid and soft-sided, face issues such as reduced fuel economy, high center of gravity, and security concerns, while conventional solutions fail to balance functionality for work and camping needs.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible, hard-sided camper system for pickup trucks, equipped with powered actuators that deploy and retract the roof and sidewalls, minimizing wind resistance and enhancing stability, featuring electric or hydraulic power for easy conversion between collapsed and deployed positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid hard-sided camper is permanently engaged with the pickup truck bed, then camping functionality and security are improved, but fuel economy deteriorates and handling stability worsens due to increased wind resistance and raised center of gravity
Solution Approach 1:
The camper system employs a dynamic structure that can transition between collapsed and deployed configurations. The powered roof lifter mechanism enables the roof to move between a lowered position (reducing wind resistance and improving fuel economy) and an elevated position (providing full camping functionality and security). This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to optimize for different operational states.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid hard-sided camper projects above the pickup truck bed and cab, then camping functionality is improved, but fuel economy deteriorates and handling stability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The camper system uses a dynamic deployment mechanism where the roof can be raised or lowered as needed. When not in use or during driving, the roof remains collapsed to maintain good handling stability and aerodynamics. When camping is required, the roof is powered to an elevated position to provide full camping functionality. This dynamic behavior allows the system to maintain ease of operation across different states.
3Loss of energy
If soft sided campers are used to reduce wind resistance, then fuel economy is improved, but security deteriorates when camping in areas occupied by animals
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines the aerodynamic benefits of a collapsed structure with the security of a hard-sided construction. When collapsed, the low profile reduces wind resistance and improves fuel economy. When deployed, the hard-sided walls and powered roof provide secure protection against animals and other outdoor hazards. This dynamic hard-sided structure resolves the contradiction between fuel economy and security.
4Loss of energy
If a collapsible camper structure is used to reduce wind resistance, then fuel economy is improved, but structural strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The camper employs a dynamic structure with a collapsible roof supported by powered roof lifters and reinforced sidewalls. When collapsed, the structure presents a low profile for reduced wind resistance and improved fuel economy. When deployed, the powered mechanism raises the roof to a stable position where the full structural strength is utilized to provide secure camping quarters. The dynamic nature allows the structure to optimize between fuel economy and structural strength based on operational requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system improves fuel efficiency and handling by reducing wind resistance and center of gravity, while providing secure camping facilities without compromising the truck's utility.
Implementation Method 1
The electric power can be provided by a motor engaged to a battery or power supply
Implementation Method 2
hydraulic or pneumatic power which forces the rod away from the cylinder using power from pumps
Implementation Method 3
The movement of the arm imparts a biasing force to whatever it is connected to in a direct of movement of the arm
Data Source
AI summary
A folding camper having a collapsed position wherein the roof and sides are lowered and having a deployed position wherein the roof is elevated above a body and sidewalls and front and rear walls are rotated to vertical positions. The body is positionable with the bed of a pickup truck. Actuators, which may be powered between elongated configurations and contracted configurations, may be engaged between the roof and the body to move the camper between the collapsed and deployed positions.